PH Windy City War: Mike's 2027 And 2028 Top Level Guards

The Prep Hoops Windy City War took place this past weekend in the Chicago Land Area. I had the opportunity to see teams from the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions. Many top level programs in Illinois and other teams throughout the Midwest competed. Here we will take a look at the top level stand out guards I saw who showcased their talents.    Green caught my attention last Fall at our showcase event and on Saturday the shooting guard continued to impress. A strong balanced frame that endures physicality of the game. Plays bigger than size and uses strength to advantage. Has a versatile bag to go to. Spin move off bounce in transition, mid range from 15, spot up 3's off the bounce, and consumes contact for and1's. Makes impact defensively as well with nose for ball and guards multi-positionally. Scores it at an efficient rate for size. Whitney Young Dolphin guard led game high with 24 in a hungry poised fashion.     Bell provides assets in multiple phases of game. Attacks the paint with steam and balance playing off 2 feet. Converted on a tough reverse layup in traffic and another hard baseline drive 1 handed slam. Splashed in a 3 within rhythm. Also crashes the glass fearlessly on the offensive end for put backs from the guard location. Added a couple great reads on kickout passes for assists. Was over the double-digit marker in 1st half of morning game Sunday and overall plays with a natural competitive spirit.     Watched Lacy play last year at the end of the summer AAU season and has developed his game since then. Has sprouted a bit with the ability to play a 2, 3, or 4 dependent upon program need. Plays bigger than size. He cleans up the glass like a forward but has the hands, feet, and speed for a guard position. Had 15 in early morning game on Sunday to go along with a close double digit marker in the rebounding department. All over the court. Works well in transition. Has 3 level scoring touch. A consistent skill set.     I caught Richardson play last year twice in prep hoops events as well as our showcase and the young WY dolphin continues to impress. Impacts the game both sides with instincts and feel. He seems to always make a big play at the right time. Defensively converted multiple steals into transition finishes. Has a nose for the ball and in the passing lanes. Silky and nifty at the rim. As a facilitator he will make tough passes look simplistic. Thread the needle a couple of times for dimes. An overall gamer with the rock in his hands. Proven in the final standings going 4-0 on weekend.     Point Guard from De La Salle with quick step burst and agility in open floor to compliment. Caught in early morning game Saturday and went off. Led team with 19. Uses hesitations and low cross overs to get by defender. Mid range jumper was pure from 15 going off the bounce. What also popped was his ability to finish with craft on dribble drive action. Gets into the lane and goes through contact to convert vs more size. Runners and floaters are all fair game. Defensively came away with a couple steals as well. Accomplished this while playing up an age division through the weekend.     Watched Horton play last year a couple of times in our Prep Hoops events and he has continued to develop his game. In team's last contest on Sunday he scored a game high 27 in simple fashion. A true combo guard with a high motor. Breaks down defenders to go off the bounce into shot or get to cup. Is a challenge to stay in front of because of quickness and speed. What ultimately makes him so versatile is his shooting range he can go to beyond the arc. Controlled ball handler with a little wiggle. Overall well versed with the ball in his hands.

The Prep Hoops Windy City War took place this past weekend in the Chicago Land Area. I had the opportunity to see teams from the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions. Many top level programs in Illinois and other teams throughout the Midwest competed. Here we will take a look at the top level stand out guards I saw who showcased their talents.